Artist Statement:
I have always been fascinated with the way light glows through stained glass. I remember being a small child and walking along the rows of stained-glass windows in church and being moved to tears not only by the storytelling of the stations of the cross but by the transcendent beauty of the art. I then recognized this same filtered light as sunlight through fall leaves on a gray day, or the dazzling reflections of dancing light on ocean waves and river streams. Regardless of the form it takes, I have always been excited by light.
My artistic journey has been a deeply personal exploration of searching for this purity of light, lyrical line and layered translucence as an expression of connection, love, and the profound search for oneness. Through abstract painting, I strive to capture the essence of hope and light, translating complex emotions into vibrant canvases. My work is characterized by bold colors and dynamic movement, created through a deliberate use of line and spiral compositions. My early training at a magnet arts high school and Ringling School of Art and Design, and years of experimentation, coupled with invaluable workshops led by Jeanne Bessette, have been instrumental in shaping my unique artistic voice. Bessette's guidance helped me find my own style and approach to painting. Inspired by the pioneering works of Kandinsky, Hilma af Klimt, and Franz Marc, I seek to transcend the limitations of representation, delving into the spiritual and emotional core of human experience. In a world often overwhelmed by pain, oppression, and loneliness, my art serves as a form of prayer, a testament to faith, compassion, and empathy, as well as a focus on the energy of connection and unity. It is a way for me to beat back against the darkness and find solace in the beauty of creation. Through my paintings, I hope to invite viewers to share in this journey of hope and connection.
Education:
I begged for and was granted private lessons at age 12. I then graduated from a magnet arts high school and then attended Ringling School of Art and Design.
Years later and following a divorce and something of a personal death and rebirth in my mid 30's, I began painting in earnest. Over the last 20 years or so and much studying and experimentation, I depend on my time in the studio as the only time I get to truly be my authentic self.
I have also attended several workshops with Jeanne Besette as well as online with Louise Fletcher.
Exhibitions:
Jacksonville Art Guild: "What's On Your Table?" 11/28/22-1/05/23
FemArt: "JOY" 11/21/22- 1/07/23
FemArt: "Art From The Heart" Adele Grage Cultural Center Exhibit. 11/3/22-11/30/22
FemArt: "I AM ME", Jacksonville, Fl 10/1/22-11/27/22
Women Writing For A Change: "Justice" Exhibit 9/24/22 - 1/28/23
FemArt: "What lies Beneath", JCA 9/2/22-10/3/22
FemArt: "Internal Journey", Jacksonville, Fl 9/7/22-10/27/22
FemArt Gallery: Member Exhibition, Jacksonville, Fl 3/17/2022-9/30/2022
Light & Love: Cloudfolios Virtual Exhibit: cloudfolios.com, 3/1/2022 -3/15/2022
Abstract Instincts: House Of Shadows Gallery, Tampa, Fl. 12/18/21 - 1/08/2022
Inside Out City: A Public Art Project in Jacksonville 7/9/21
Coming Out: M.A.D.S. Gallery in Milan 6/25-7/5/21
Branches: Women Writing For A Change Art Exhibit 2/27/2021-5/24/2021
Beyond The Mask: Femart Gallery 1/16/2021-3/16/2021
Unity &Equity: The Art Center Jacksonville 1/16/2021-2/28/2021
Art See and Shop (Jacksonville pop up gallery in the Towne Center) 11/14/20-6/20/21
Artworkers United virtual exhibit 9/25/2020
Where The Wild Women Go FemArt Gallery virtual exhibit 6/15/2020 - 9/30/2020
Wave at the Jacksonville International Airport: 1/15/2020-7/06/2020
Women Who Face It: FemArt Gallery 1/12/2020-3/15/2020
Women's Abs: FemArt Gallery 11/6/19-12/30/19
A River Rising: anthology of women's writing and artwork published 11/21/19
Birds: Women Writing For A Change: 7/30/19-12/15/19
Solo exhibit at Jax Beach and Wine Bar: 6/1/19-6/30/19
Shine! Women Writing For Change: 2/15/19-5/26/19
Art/RAP 4/26/19-4/28/19
Our Human Condition: Figures and Faces at the St. Augustine Art Gallery 1/4/19-1/27/19
Rise! Women Writing For Change: 9/3/18-12/2/18
FemArt Gallery: 10/23/18-11/7/18
"Corners" 10/11/18 through 12/10/18
FemArt Gallery: The Color Purple Exhibit 10/2/18-10/22/18
"Contrasts" 8/9/18 through 10/8/18
Azaleas To Zinnias: Cummer Floral Exhibit 6/3-12/16/18
Kyo Gallery 3/15/18 thru present
The Art Center Jacksonville Fl 1/3/18 thru present
The Annex Gallery "Monumental" exhibit 1/11/18 thru 3/2/18
South Kitchen and Spirits 10/4 thru 3/30/18
Women Writing For Change 8/20 thru 11/19/17
Anthem Gallery 9/10 thru 12/1/17
Chords of Unity 6/3 thru 6/28/17
Art/RAP 4/29 thru 5/1/17
Graphi-Ko Gallery 2015
Jacksonville Women's Center 2011
Graphi-Ko Gallery 2011-2012
Artistic Influences:
I have been a lover of the Impressionists since childhood, but I also strongly identify with the German Expressionists and Spiritualism and Theosophy. As such, I love Van Gogh (who doesn't?), Kandinsky, Marc, and Hilda af Klimt.
Artist Tags:
expressionism, bold colors, abstract, spiritual
